Early season BIIF girls hoops

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Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Kealakehe guard Keisha Mateo looks for a route to the basket during a game at Waiakea on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.
Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Waiakea's Mercedes Murray jumps for a lay up against Kealakehe during a game at home on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.
Kelsey Walling/Tribune-Herald Waiakea's Klarsalane Siva drives the ball to the basket during a game against Kealakehe on Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.
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HILO — Waiakea High and Kealakehe High’s girls basketball teams tipped off the season with the school year’s first BIIF Division I matchup, Tuesday night at the WHS gym.

The Waveriders were routed 68-4 — left behind early as Waiakea scored 35 points in the first quarter while surrendering none.

Kealakehe was held scoreless until the fourth quarter — as the Warriors put up another fifteen points during the second quarter, two in the third and 16 in the fourth.

Waiakea was led by the trio of Jolie Mantz (16 points), Pua‘ena Herrington (13 points) and Bryia Carenio (ten points). Ava Santos and Kyra Lei Ganir-Palma each contributed nine points.

Three of Kealakehe’s four points were the work of Summer Wellington. Tamara Farmer-Duarte scored one.

Waiakea will be back in action 5 p.m. Saturday, hosting Kohala High.

The Waveriders will play their home opener at 6 p.m. on Monday. That same day, Hilo High will host the Warriors for the pair’s first encounter of the season — with JV tipping off at 5:30 p.m. and varsity following.

Wildcats win BIIF opener

Konawaena and Hawaii Prep girls basketball opened their BIIF seasons Tuesday night at Ellison Onizuka Gymnasium. The Wildcats handled business with a 91-45 blasting to propel themselves to 1-0 in island play.

Ka Makani (0-1) showed heart, however — as star senior Brooke Samura chipped in 33 of the team’s 45 points. Rosey Wawner also added eight.

Konawaena will next face BIIF competition on Dec. 6 against Honoka‘a at home. HPA will return home to play Pahoa on Tuesday at Castle Gym.

Parker handles Ka‘u

Parker and Ka‘u girls basketball opened their BIIF seasons Tuesday at Ka‘u. The Bulls routed the Trojans by a score of 40-16.

Parker (1-0) will play Kealakehe at 6 p.m. Monday in Kailua-Kona, while Ka‘u will travel to Kea‘au to play the Cougars that same night at 7 p.m.